Kyrgyzstan has launched its first national satellite into space.

Axar.az reports, citing local media, that the Kyrgyz presidential administration said the satellite was launched on October 1 aboard a SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket from the Vandenberg Space Force Base in California.

Kyrgyz President Sadyr Japarov attended the launch ceremony during his working visit to the United States. The satellite was placed into orbit along with other spacecraft and will be operated from a control center in Bishkek.

The satellite is designed to monitor agricultural land, glaciers, water bodies, forests and pastures, as well as changes in natural ecosystems. Its data will also be used to identify illegal exploitation of natural resources, unauthorized waste sites and other sources of pollution.

In addition, the satellite will help monitor natural hazards, including droughts, floods, landslides, mudflows and wildfires, allowing potential threats to be detected more quickly and measures to reduce possible damage to be taken.